GROTIAN MOMENTS AND STATEHOOD

Sterio discusses the Grotian Moments, and the application of the Grotian Moment theory to the legal criteria of statehood. Grotian Moments are instances of accelerated formation of customary law, sparked by significant world events, such as wars, terrorist attacks, or natural catastrophes. Customary law typically evolves at a slow pace. Statehood in today's world encompasses additional criteria, which have become necessary for a State's creation as well as for its existence. Such additional criteria include the support of powerful, super-sovereign States, the State's willingness to respect human and minority rights, and the State's participation in the existing global institutional order. This change in the legal theory of statehood may constitute a Grotian Moment: a paradigm-shifting re-conceptualization brought about by specific factors in the global arena, such as globalization and the proliferation of international law.